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A Shochiku Film

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

They say we think of home when we are far away…

I left Shibamata, Katsushika, twenty-five years ago…

I think mine is a freewheeling drifter's life…

Yet I dream of home as I travel alone…

And doze on a train at night…

So, laugh at me…

Near forty,

I'm still not a man…

I cry when a woman reminds me of my sister at home…

Tora-san's Shattered Romance

I was born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika…

I was born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika… Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora

Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora

Kuruma is my family name… Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora And my given name is Torajiro…

Kuruma is my family name… And my given name is Torajiro…

Kuruma is my family name… Ayako Wakao as Yuko And my given name is Torajiro…

Ayako Wakao as Yuko

But people call me Tora, Ayako Wakao as Yuko the street peddler…

But people call me Tora, the street peddler…

But people call me Tora, Chieko Baisho as Sakura the street peddler…

Chieko Baisho as Sakura

Gin Maeda as Hiroshi

Chieko Misaki as Aunty

Hisao Dazai as Umetaro

Gajiro Sato as Genko

Nobuko Miyamoto as Kinuyo

Goro Tarumi as Yuko's Husband

Tatsuo Matsumura as Doctor Yamashita

Shin Morikawa as Uncle

Chishu Ryu as the High Priest

Hisaya Morishige as Senzo

Producer: Tsuneo Ozumi

Planned by Yukio Takashima Shun'ichi Kobayashi

Written by Yoji Yamada Akira Miyazaki

Cinematography: Tetsuo Takaba

Art Direction: Kiminobu Sato

Music: Naozumi Yamamoto

Sound Recording: Hiroshi Nakamura

Sound Mixing: Sachio Obi

Lighting: Yoshio Uchida

Editing: Iwao Ishii

Original Story and Directed by Yoji Yamada

Other towns may flourish but Shibamata lags behind…

Daikyoji Temple, sacred to Taishakuten, is found here…

Thank you very much.

In olden times, people came by boat to pray here…

Even now, shops sell traditional sweets…

Reminders of Edo days still remain…

Ryuzo Kuruma, a sixth generation man… … …

He says young people now turn their backs

on old-fashioned sweets…

Don't!

Sakura.

You're on TV.

You look great.

She's smiling.

End - Home Series: Shibamata, Katsushika

Fine.

So embarrassing.

You were beautiful.

Nonsense.

How was I? Handsome?

The very picture of an old-fashioned storekeeper.

Fool.

Nice advertisement for you, though.

Everybody was watching this.

Did my brother see it?

Yes, it's Toraya.

Where's he and what's he doing, that fool?

What? Brother?

Yes, we're all fine.

You were watching TV?

We were, too. Sakura's here.

Where is he?

Where are you? What? Far away?

A lie. Near here.

Yes, at the station?

Aren't you near here?

Yamaguchi Prefecture?

Going to Kyushu!

I'm okay. Don't worry about me.

You all happy?

Running out of coins.

What? Come home? Can't! I'm busy.

My regards to everybody.

I'm okay and getting alone.

Sakura? Are you okay?

I'm cut off.

Hello! Brother! Hello!

It's cut off.

He isn't nearby?

He had a lot of coins. He must be in Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi Prefecture?

A headache when he comes home.

But I worry when he's away.

He's a lot of trouble.

I'll turn in.

Good night.

NAGASAKI

"Shall I go or not..."

Sick or something?

No.

Nagasaki's your home, too?

No.

Where are you going?

To Goto.

Oh? The same as me then.

A crewman said no ship until tomorrow.

Sails only twice a day. Inconvenient.

Putting up at an inn tonight?

Yes.

I see.

Find a warm room or the kid will catch cold.

Listen...

Will you lend me some money?

Just a little to pay for the inn.

Come.

I worked at a bar sometimes.

The neighbor who recommended me looked after my girl.

But every time I was paid,

he'd know about it and take it.

When I said it was for the baby's milk,

he'd shout or hit me.

What if the baby starved to death, I said...

He said he didn't want her.

I had her, so he wasn't responsible for her.

I know. I know.

Race crazy after a winning streak.

In the end, the family leaves him.

I've seen many living like beggars.

It's the end of a man.

I'd just forget him if I were you.

It's the best.

Excuse me.

Tomorrow morning?

Taking the ferry at 8. Wake us at 7 o'clock.

I'll pay for both.

I see. Good night.

Shall we turn in?

I can't repay you for the money I borrowed...

The baby may wake up. Please turn out the light.

Did you borrow money from me with that in mind?

Is that right?

I have a sister about your age at home.

What if, for example...

she asked a man for a little money to pay for a room?

And he lent it to her with such a thing in mind?

I'll kill him.

Isn't your father worried about you at home?

He feels the same way.

That's for sure.

How's business?

It's just getting worse.

It's the times.

Let me introduce you.

Bye.

You go ahead.

Can't decide yet?

You'll be late for the ferry.

We eloped and left the island.

What'll people say about my baby?

It's too late to say that now.

A lot of trouble.

That's your island? Nice place.

You missed it? No wonder. Away three years.

Please come in.

Nobody home?

Dad!

He's out?

Please sit down. I'll make tea.

He lives alone?

People here are really poor.

Dad.

You're well?

No, I'm not her husband. I'm just a traveler.

He was very good to me.

Don't glare at me, Pop!

Be kind to your daughter.

She had a hard time and missed her home so much.

She had to come back.

I guess I'll take a walk.

You two have a good talk.

You apologize to him.

The baby's name?

Sanae.

Don't cry.

Cold, isn't it?

Cold in the evening, isn't it?

Hot sake, please.

Why did I have to return to such a mean man?

I don't want to see his face or even remember him again.

I'll stay with you.

No. Go back on the ferry tomorrow.

Why? Why do you say such a cruel thing?

Kinuyo. You didn't even write to me for three years.

Coming home now...

If I were dead, what would you do?

I won't live much longer.

You won't have a place to come home to after I die.

You may have a hard time and want to come home.

But you can't then.

But a man like him!

You loved him, didn't you?

So he must have one good point.

Hang on to it and make it better.

If you can't, you'll never be happy with any man.

I said no but you chose him.

So you knew what'd happen.

If you're that weak, I'd be too worried to die.

She gave you a lot of trouble.

Her mother died when she as small.

I couldn't give her proper care.

She was lucky to have met a nice man like you.

Make yourself at home here.

I'll fix you up some cuttlefish.

What's wrong?

It's exactly as you said.

Thinking we can go home is wrong.

Such an easy idea keeps me from being a real man.

Your home...?

My home? It's Shibamata in Katsushika, Tokyo.

Your folks...?

They died.

But I have an uncle and aunt.

I have one sister about your daughter's age.

Is she happy?

Yes, got a kid too.

Her husband's not like me.

He's almost too serious.

A factory worker.

Behind the factory is my uncle's store.

Sakura...

That's my sister.

She lives in an apartment.

She shops, drops in at the sweets shop with her kid to chat.

And a day ends.

So she's invited to supper.

"Never mind."

"A bother cooking supper?"

"Your husband's in back? Call him."

They all eat together.

They always talk about me then.

I won't go back again. It's wrong to think I can.

A wind's blowing.

What's that whistle?

The signal for the last ferry.

The last one?

What's up?

I see. It's leaving?

Toilet?

No.

Toilet's over there. Outside if you like.

I won't go back again. Never.

I mustn't think I got a home.

But my uncle and aunt are happy when I go back.

Calling me a fool and crying, Sakura asks where I've been.

They all make me want to go home.

But I won't go home.

Still, I guess I'll go home.

Goodbye.

Hey, wait! Wait for me!

I borrowed money from him.

It's too late.

He's a bit sick. Poor man.

Cleaning? Not the big house cleaning?

No. But we got a boarder.

A student?

No, a woman.

She left her husband. She wants us

to let her help in the shop.

Busy year-end. So we're glad to.

That's fine.

Help's hard to get, married or not.

Yes, yes.

Welcome.

Find help? Nice, isn't it?

I'm short of hands. I wish I could get somebody like that.

Mr. Kuruma.

The taxi fare I borrowed... before I forget.

Anytime will do.

Oh, no.

It was 310 yen? Thank you.

This is Yuko, my cousin's husband's niece.

He's a factory president.

How do you do?

Pleased, I'm sure.

I saw you once. In grade school. This big.

You were young, too.

Don't just stand there. A customer's come.

Beautiful!

I'm impressed. She doesn't look like your kind.

Don't underrate us.

Don't think they're all like Tora.

Made me think of Tora.

Lucky he's not here.

Yes. He'd do anything if he was here.

But he always comes at times like this.

Don't say unlucky things.

Anything wrong?

I thought I saw Tora pass by.

It's my imagination. I'm senile now.

I saw him, too.

You did? Really? You imagined it?

Did I?

Sure.

Are we both senile?

Uncle and Aunty, are you okay?

I was just passing by.

So, I'm dropping in.

Is anything wrong?

No, not especially.

You're back.

Yes. Welcome home.

It's funny. Anything wrong?

No, nothing at all.

That reminds me. I'm busy. Goodbye.

It's funny.

Uncle, something's funny.

Shouldn't I have come home or what?

If I shouldn't, tell me so straight.

No, no. Nothing's wrong. It's too fine.

Too fine?

That doesn't sound natural.

No. Nothing's unnatural.

See? That sounds unnatural.

I guess my coming home bothers you a little.

Maybe inside you think I'm a nuisance.

But I only come once in a while.

Say you're glad even if you aren't.

Don't take it in the wrong way.

Why do you take such an attitude, then?

Where to?

Hiroshi's place.

The room's neat now.

Any grocery shops near here?

Yes. Go to the left.

I'm going shopping.

What is it? What happened?

Something worries me.

I went to the shop.

They acted like I'm not welcome.

Something wrong?

I don't think so.

No, they're not happy to see me back.

Paranoid.

What's that?

It's a psychological word.

What's that?

It's a science.

Fool! Talking English when I'm in earnest.

I'm sorry.

A difficult order. Answer the phone?

President. Umetaro.

Sorry. I'm busy with taxes. Later!

Isn't that dandy? Octopus!

Laborers! Diligence overcomes poverty.

Fine as a cat with its hair full of catnip...

It's no fun.

I'm sorry. I apologize. A misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding or what! I'm a paranoid.

Where you going?

Where? My room.

Your only nephew just came back all the way from the south.

Let me sleep. You'll at least let me sleep?

Tora, we lent it to someone.

So sleep in the storeroom.

His bedding.

Aunty, wait a minute.

So that's it?

Sorry. There were reasons.

It's all right. I don't belong here anyway.

But why didn't you tell me so in the first place?

You could have.

Afraid to tell me?

Aren't we kin, uncle, you and me?

Where are you going?

Tell Sakura I came.

Wait.

The swallow that always returns in spring...

Something may happen and you may never see it again.

Uncle. Aunty.

I'll never come back again.

I mean it.

I'm back.

Everything's cheap here. Only 70 yen for this.

He's our nephew.

Nephew?

I'm Yuko. How do you do?

Excuse me.

Fool.

Brother.

Sakura.

When did you come back?

Just now.

We were afraid you wouldn't.

Uncle, it's Brother.

I'm back.

Welcome back.

You're okay?

Yes. You too?

Yeah, sort of.

You can stay this time? New Year's soon.

Thanks.

You're about the only one who says a kind word to me now.

Crying?

What's the matter?

When you weren't here...

this old couple insulted me.

Nice to see you again.

She's my sister.

You know, Yuko, my distant kin.

Yes. Distant kin.

I'm Sakura.

How do you do?

I've wanted to visit Taishaku Temple.

I've wanted to, too.

Go together?

Why, thank you.

I'll see you later.

Later, Sakura.

Your first time, too?

Yes... not exactly...

What's going on?

That's going on.

I feel sick.

Are you still alive?

Too bad.

High Priest.

It's been quite some time.

You're well?

She's Yuko, my distant kin.

He's the High Priest.

He looks like this but is a great man.

How do you do?

What're you doing here?

The priest said he'd feed me.

So you became a bonze?

Sickening! Go away! Dirty priest!

What is it?

You're very interesting.

Am I? Oh, I don't know.

You laughed!

Shall we go?

This way, please.

A letter?

To Dad.

About money?

I think he'll lend me 800,000 yen.

It's a chance to buy an automatic printing machine.

To become independent, I need it.

Then land and a building.

What is it?

Nothing... but I'm worried about my brother.

Yes. It's like a sickness with him.

Yuko.

Skipping breakfast to sleep until noon.

Is she sick?

She's tired. Had a hard time.

Have to be careful.

Hurry, a doctor. Call a doctor!

Too busy? Nonsense. You can't be too busy.

Let me.

Hey, hurry up! Call yourself a doc? A patient!

What if Yuko has the plague or cholera?

What? Yuko's the patient.

A woman! Naturally!

What? How old? Don't be funny, doc!

Shall I take it?

What? No!

Is he okay? I don't trust that doc.

When he's not sure, he recommends somebody else.

We trust him on that.

He's no good! Must've killed a lot of people.

How is she?

She's all right, just tired.

Needs a day's rest.

Is that so?

A thorough check?

Yes. I took my time looking.

She's very beautiful.

What?

Never mind that. Where did you look?

Where? Her breasts.

Some doc!

Uncle, you too!

What's so funny? Damn you!

Why the hell are you here?

I'm sorry it's so noisy.

A nuisance came back. But he's not bad inside.

Noisy!

I don't mind.

Was it quiet where you lived?

Yes.

But I feel relieved here.

It's a place where people really live.

I had a good night's sleep last night. It's true.

I see.

"Sleeping, he dreams. Waking up, illusions..."

And now, how long will our Tora's happiness last?

"Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, dark and sad my life has been."

The bath's ready.

Yuko. Take a bath.

Shall we go home, Mitsuo?

No, eat with us. Hiroshi's working late?

Making yours too. I'll call Hiroshi.

Thank you. I'll take a bath.

Are you well now?

Yes, I slept it off.

Please.

A dirty bathroom. They're poor. Please put up with it.

Six o'clock? The days have gotten shorter.

Yuko, how's the bath?

It's just right.

What're you thinking about?

The same as you.

At your age? It's dirty. You got a dirty mind.

I'm ashamed. A vulgar old man's my kin.

Don't be a fool.

The end of another day, I was thinking.

What's dirty about it?

Liar.

Don't hide it. You said you were thinking like me.

Right?

Well!

So that's it? I know now.

You're the one who's dirty.

I'm ashamed of you.

Acting like a school boy at your age. Awful.

Awful?

I don't want to see you.

Fine and dandy! I'm not refined like you.

Picking your nose and making sweets.

Don't touch me where it hurts. Say that again.

Sure, I will.

The kids say your sweets are full of snot.

That does it.

Stop it.

Yuko will hear you. You should know better.

Don't touch me!

Seems it was better not to have come back.

I say...

Sakura.

She's angry.

Apologize.

Hey...

Sakura.

Her words were a slap in the face.

Listen, I was wrong.

I'll apologize. So don't be mad anymore.

I walked by here today.

Gen had gathered a lot of men around him.

He called you names.

That Gen! I'll knock him down.

Why do you do things to make people laugh at you?

Hey, don't cry.

Yuko's beautiful. Anybody can see she's wonderful.

But...

She's nothing to you.

Don't rub it in.

Then why?

My heart won't listen to what my head says.

So don't blame me.

Your heart belongs to you.

It's different.

For instance, I think I'll never come home.

But before I know it, I find myself home again.

I'm in a fix.

What's funny? It's a serious problem.

Yes, it's a troublesome feeling.

You agree? Isn't it so?

I'm going home.

Good night.

I see. Be careful on the way.

So you see, I'm reforming too.

Making me mad!

Fine as a cat with its hair full of catnip.

An octopus has suckers.

Chicks at twenty, but worms marry at nineteen.

If black faces can't marry, all crows would be widows.

I'd like to bite but can't with store-bought teeth.

Knocking it down.

How about 1,000 yen? No?

800 yen. 600 yen.

Okay, a harakiri price, then. 500 yen.

Recorded it okay?

Yes.

Never mind, never mind.

If you insist. Thanks.

Thank you.

Give me some tea, please.

Hello.

Welcome.

Thanks.

Eating lunch here?

Since Yuko came, we've got so many people coming.

How is Brother now?

He goes out to work every day.

Has he reformed?

I don't know. Won't he kick up trouble again?

"I won't be responsible"?

It's the end of the factory.

Get a grip on yourself. Bad check?

No. It's Hiroshi.

What did he do?

Don't you know?

No.

Something bad?

Can't steal much money from you.

Don't joke. He's quitting my place.

A friend said

a machine dealer told him that he'll work on his own.

Hiding it from me.

Without him, I can't run my factory.

What's going on?

Is it true?

It isn't settled yet. Just a plan about machinery and a house.

It's the end of my factory.

It's been his dream to have a small factory.

Ever since we married.

I want him to realize it.

But what'll happen if he quits now?

The factory may really fold up.

And the workers will be so disappointed.

I don't want to stay here long, either.

We know we both feel the same way.

So we've been able to bear it.

Things won't change, then.

I've stood it until now but...

Not anymore.

I know that.

But just owning a factory won't make things rosy.

Women are slow in thinking.

Why?

There are risks in a new project.

Life's a gamble. Can't let it scare us.

Can we?

No. Life's a gamble.

Good for you, Hiroshi.

Truth is...

I thought you had no guts working at that crummy factory.

It's fine to be on your own.

You're president, Sakura's the boss's wife.

You needn't do side work in this small place.

A house with a lawn.

A dog with hair hanging down over its eyes.

"How are you, Madame?" What'll you do, Sakura?

I don't want a thoroughbred dog. This suits me.

You're old-fashioned.

Become independent. Quit tomorrow.

No. I can't quit tomorrow.

Hurry up.

Afraid to hurt the president's feelings?

Well, yes.

You're old-fashioned, too.

Loyalty's nothing at all now. It's outdated.

Okay, I'll take charge.

I'll talk to Octopus.

Wait.

Don't worry. Leave it to me.

I'll talk to him. You just rest easy.

Brother!

I'm back, Aunty.

Back? How did it go?

I'm going.

Tora.

Am I lucky?

Come in, come in.

What's going on?

Go away.

Go to bed now.

Bring some sake.

I meant to go over to see you.

I'm glad you came. I really am.

You wanted to see me?

I trust you as a real friend.

Noisy! Go away.

Do me the favor of my life and listen.

Tell me your story.

Thanks.

It's about Hiroshi.

If he quits, my factory will fold up.

I'll have to hang myself.

Look at these sweet kids.

They'd be thrown out into the street.

Must Hiroshi quit even then?

I hate to say this...

He ran away from home. I let him live upstairs.

And taught him the work. I made him what he is now.

Fool! That hurt!

Go away.

You'd understand. You know what the world's like.

You'll help me?

I knew you would, Tora. Thanks. I'm beholden to you.

You thank him, too.

Please help us.

You're his brother. If you'd talk to him...

That's it.

Leave it to me.

Thanks. It's a great relief.

More sake! Go get some broiled eels, too. Expensive ones.

Treating Tora!

Good morning.

Good morning. Tora...?

Sleeping?

I see. Excuse me.

Say, Tora. Wake up.

Why so early?

I'm worried sick. Talk to him for me?

What?

About Hiroshi.

Yeah.

How did it go?

Settled, I said.

He understands how I feel? He won't quit?

I see. Thanks. Thanks a lot. I'm relieved.

Sorry I woke you.

So early in the morning.

Fine, fine.

I'm saved.

That's good.

I owe it to Tora.

Good morning.

Good morning.

He's still asleep?

Excuse me.

What happened?

Did you talk to him?

How did it go?

It's settled.

Then he okayed my setting up for myself?

Yeah, he did.

Is that true?

Thank you.

Let me sleep a little longer.

Good morning.

Brother told me. Thank you.

No, no, I thank you.

I'm sorry.

Joking? You mean I am.

It's...

Never mind. I know. Thanks.

Thank you.

I'm going out to collect bills now.

Let's celebrate tonight.

No overtime tonight, guys.

Let's live it up on the house instead.

Give us some good Shibamata geisha service.

Help yourselves and drink up.

These, please.

Good evening. I'm late.

So sudden, we're very busy.

Holding the party here so it'd be cheap.

It's a wonder, the boss let him quit.

He thinks Hiroshi has given up the idea of quitting.

Look at his happy face.

Thanks, Hiroshi. Thanks a lot.

It's I who should thank you, not you.

Why?

But...

Hey, let's live it up.

Which is right?

It seems risky to ask questions.

Tora said he'd settled it and not to worry.

My brother?

He's a real problem. Up to something again?

Count me out.

Irresponsible.

Brother.

Just hear me out.

Serious talk's no fun. Let's live it up.

No. Let me say one thing.

Tora, let's hear him out.

All right. Suit yourself.

You picked me up a wild, runaway kid.

And trained me until today.

I'm grateful to you.

Be quiet!

Thanks. I'm glad you say that.

And again tonight.

You know of the hard time ahead when I quit.

Yet you approved it.

I don't know what to say. You're very kind.

Thanks...

You're quitting...

You. Pour for me.

Listen, everybody.

It's hard to say...

I've planned to become independent.

The boss has kindly approved it.

No. You're wrong.

What is this?

It's just the opposite.

Opposite? What does that mean?

I don't know.

Tora, how can you say that?

How can you be so irresponsible?

Shut up and pipe down.

You didn't approve it?

I wouldn't. Not me.

What an ungrateful fellow!

Quit and my place will fold up.

Fine, then we'll get some sunshine.

That does it.

Apologize. It's your fault.

Where to?

I'm leaving.

That's no way to leave.

Why?

They're having a nice time.

It's too much.

Our quitting caused it. It was wrong.

We were wrong to trust Brother.

It's my chance.

A postcard came from your father.

He doesn't have 800,000 yen.

Government officials don't get much when they retire.

So don't be angry and apologize to him.

Really quitting? Speak up.

Quit the crummy factory.

Your fault.

Yes.

Stop it. Yuko's watching.

You're responsible for it all.

Boss.

What?

I take it back.

I'm sorry, everybody.

I'm very sorry.

Is that true?

Hiroshi. In a couple years,

I'll sell my shop and help you.

You'll back him then, won't you, President?

Thanks. Thank you very much.

I've been saved.

Don't cry. You look awful. Don't do that.

It's true.

Fine, fine.

Don't force yourself to be like a president.

He's a good example.

You couldn't do much better.

The more you work, the more worries.

Yes. Nothing good about my work... only hardships.

I know, I know.

But it won't go on forever.

Your luck will go sky-high.

Think so?

Octopus kites go up and up, don't they?

It's no time to joke.

A slip of the tongue.

Don't laugh.

You too.

Yuko.

Anything wrong?

I'm sorry.

Nothing like that ever happened around me before.

Frankly, I've never cried, laughed or been angry openly.

My life was full of lies.

Thinking of such things made me cry.

CLOSED FOR TODAY EMPLOYEES BOAT OUTING

A bit cold, but it's stylish. Going down the Japan Rhine?

No, not so far.

Tenryu River then?

Not going that far.

Then it's Nagatoro?

They wouldn't plan going so far away.

Cold! We'd catch cold.

Drink up. Let's make it lively.

Are you drinking?

Yes.

Let's drink so we won't catch cold.

They're coming.

Don't look.

Why weren't you invited?

I don't know.

A difference in interests.

Hey, you're not good sports!

When did the patient get sick?

He's been sort of low for a week.

Then he lost his appetite, hasn't eaten at all.

Why didn't you call me sooner?

The patient wouldn't let us.

Never listen to a patient's opinions.

I'll take a look. Upstairs?

Doctor! Doctor!

Thank you for coming.

Don't get up. Stay in bed.

I'm not sick. It's Tora.

Tora?

Yes, it's him.

He seems very ill.

I see. You're all right?

Yes, I am.

That's fine. Goodbye.

You're going?

Going home.

The patient...?

You can always phone me.

A few day's fast won't kill him. I'm busy.

You're awful. I feel sorry for Tora.

Call a psychiatrist, then.

Is he all right?

Yes. He'll be up in no time.

Thank you.

What is it?

He's awful.

I feel weak.

Like I had a big hole in me.

And the wind's blowing through it.

How can I explain it?

Yes, it's upsetting, isn't it?

Any idea why?

You see...

While on a trip, I relieved myself at a shrine gate.

Maybe that's why.

It could be.

Excuse me.

Is he asleep?

Please let him sleep.

Thank you very much.

What's wrong, I wonder?

Tired, I think. He's so reckless.

Yes. He's always saying such funny things.

But he has cares too?

He has no home to relax in at his age.

We're the same.

I'm sorry, but...

It's all right.

My husband writes stories.

He did, to be exact.

He won awards once and used to be busy.

But only for a few years.

Not after that.

So we have no home. We sponge on people, on friends.

We're like your brother.

I envy Tora. He has a warm home and a wonderful sister.

He's lucky.

Yuko, will you come here?

Yes!

I've stayed too long.

She's gone.

You're here?

I had a good sleep.

I thought I heard sweet music nearby.

Was somebody here?

Thank you.

No doctors can cure it?

I'm sure he's lovesick.

That's comical.

It's true. You've no experience?

You can't eat and your heart aches.

TB, you think, then suddenly it's gone.

Suddenly?

When your girl says some kind words.

Thanks.

How do you feel?

Weak.

I made those potatoes you like. Want some?

Looks delicious.

Potatoes?

Bring me some water instead.

Water?

What's the matter with him?

I wonder.

It seems lonely when he's sick.

I hope he takes me for walks.

To the Edogawa River.

Think so?

I feel hungry.

Aunty!

Food!

See?

It's true. He was lovesick.

He jumped out of bed at six, took a bath.

And then ate six bowls of rice.

Then he went to the barber.

Barber shop?

What for?

Yuko talked about taking walks.

He took her up on it.

He'll be a bother to her. How is she?

Out for a walk? Really out for a walk?

There are still places like this? It doesn't seem true.

You grew up watching these scenes?

Yes.

I was born and brought up in Shibamata, Katsushika.

What's that?

That's how we used to talk.

Wonderful. Do it again.

I see.

I was born and brought up in Shibamata, Katsushika.

An Edoite blessed by the Taishaku Temple.

Family name, Kuruma. Name, Torajiro, or Tora the street peddler.

There's more.

Due to some strange fate, I've returned here.

To live under the skies of Tokyo

amid neon signs and the din of jazz.

For certain reasons, I have no boss.

And so it goes, on and on.

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

Listen, Tora.

Yes. What is it?

There's something I must tell you.

Yes? What is it?

I'm in trouble.

Trouble? Why? Tell me all about it.

Someone...

Someone I know?

Yes.

A woman?

A man.

Who is he?

No. Just suppose there's a man.

I know that he likes me.

He's very nice and I'm happy about it.

But I'm not in a position to accept his feelings.

I understand very well.

You do?

Of course.

It's as plain as day to me. It often happens.

Don't hold back to the fool. Tell him to give up.

I'll go and talk to him.

Tell who?

The fool.

It's all right. Please don't worry.

Let's get on with it.

That rat!

Wait.

It's all right.

Listen, Tora...

Draw in your breath.

Why did you come?

To say something.

Out with it.

Give her up.

What?

You know now?

At your age? Poor doc.

It's too late to fall in love.

Bye.

Who was that?

My patient, but a mental case.

He's beyond me.

Open up in front.

You're a man?

Fool!

"Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, dark and sad my life has been."

Uncle. Aunty. I'm back. Yuko upstairs?

Yuko, I'm back. I took care of it. Please don't worry.

I told him off in good, clear language.

You called? Want me to come upstairs?

Tora.

All right?

He's really a fool.

RICE CAKES FOR NEW YEAR'S

Mr. Miyazaki? 2-chome? Thank you.

Thanks.

Any more?

Some left.

I told her it's his usual sickness and not to worry.

It must be hard for Yuko to stay here.

But what if she leaves now when we're so busy?

What'll we do?

It's hard to decide.

We have to do something?

Count me out.

Welcome.

Is Yuko with you? Yuko Akashi.

Yuko...

I came for you.

Come home.

You've been kind to my wife.

Not at all. Please come in back.

Thank you. But I must leave.

Let's go home, Yuko.

I was wrong. I apologize. Forgive me.

She's a bit willful.

Make him some tea.

Please don't bother.

Sakura, I'm going home.

I see.

I'm glad for you.

I really meant to leave him this time but...

Women are weak, aren't they?

Tora won't come back?

Don't ask me. He usually does, that fool.

He's back.

Found a mortar and pestle at the temple.

We'll make real rice cakes now.

I'll show them to Yuko. Upstairs?

Going out somewhere?

Listen. She's going home with her husband.

Now?

It's quite sudden, but...

That's all right.

A busy time. I'm sorry.

Never mind. It's all right.

I'll come again to thank you.

Tora.

Thank you for being so good to me.

Not at all.

I'll never forget your kindness.

Please be happy, Yuko.

Thank you.

Let's go, Yuko.

Excuse us, everyone.

Goodbye.

Goodbye!

Isn't it nice?

Yes. They made up.

It's best.

Nice?

Nice, isn't it?

Hey, Toraya!

Big trouble.

I saw Yuko with a man.

Did Tora get jilted again?

Say something?

No, I didn't.

I see.

So you're going away somewhere again?

Sakura, do you remember this station?

Fought with Dad, left home at sixteen.

I remember, and...

I know I felt very sad and followed you a long way.

Yeah. I shoved you back.

But you kept coming, crying.

You made it hard for me.

But you gave up and went home.

You gave me a farewell present.

I opened it up on the train. One of your playthings.

Brother...

It's New Year's pretty soon.

Why not stay until then at least?

I can't.

We work when most folks are in a foot-warmer watching TV.

We yell ourselves hoarse selling stuff in the cold wind.

It's the way of our world.

My regards to everybody. Be happy with Hiroshi.

See you, Sakura.

If you have a hard time, come back any time.

You see...

Thinking like that keeps me from becoming a real man.

My own home town...

My own home town...

What? What did you say?

Thank you.

Over here, please.

I see. We didn't know about it.

Even Tora does good things sometimes?

Where is he now?

He's like a broken kite.

A kite with its string cut.

Yes, that's it.

Once he leaves, we don't know where he is.

Is your father fine?

I think so.

In Nagasaki?

Yes.

He's on an island near there.

Hello?

Kinuyo?

I'm in Tokyo… I'm phoning from that Tora 's home…

Sorry I didn 't send you a New Year's card… So they said to…

Can you hear me?

Yes, I can.

We're working at the same store. So please don't worry.

It costs a lot, I'll hang up…

Take care now.

I forgot something important.

Happy New Year! Goodbye.

"Thank you for your kindness last year.

"Help us this year too.

"New Year's Day. Torajiro Kuruma."

Happy New Year, everybody!

I hope this year will be a happy one.

The cranes and tortoises that you see will bring you luck.

Cranes live 1,000 years, tortoises, 10,000 years.

You live 100 years, and I, 99.

We'll marry even if all the pine trees wither.

We'll visit Zenkoji and Oku Temples.

I won't let you go even if we're poor.

I love you more than my favorite noodles.

You live 100 years, and I, 99.

If you still don't buy one, you're real losers. I give up.

The End